Triumph of Autocracy

The drive for autocracy comes at a time when democracy seems to be in crisis. Democracy is not a perfect system; however, it is the only system which provides the ability for governing structures to secure long-term stability. It is not limited to the electoral process, and it necessitates strong and independent institutions with the ability to keep in check those in positions of power.

In my article in The Times I reflect on some of these trends:

"The crisis in a democracy cannot be divorced from our understanding of progress. Progress, as defined above, becomes a value-free materialistic, utilitarian achievement. It speaks of a movement towards some goal but may often lack a sound holistic vision. It may address some economic concern or some specific sectoral issue, but it often fails to address the bigger picture.

Rather than restricting debate to the idea of ‘progress’, societies could benefit from reorienting the debate on the concept of “authentic development”. The latter is impossible without a democratic system of government coupled with sound ethical foundations."

The full article may be read here.